Improvement in apparatus for ljghting, extinguishing, and regulating gas-flames



2A Sheets--Swheet l.

l.. BAU M El STER. Ap paratus .for Lighting; Ext'ing uish ing, and

Beg u ilat ng :Gas-Hamas.

Patented Jan. I9, 1875.

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UNrTED STATES PrrrEnr'r EEroE LEOPOLD BAUMEISTER, OE GAGGENAU, GERMANY,ASSIGNOR TO HIMSELF AND MICHAEL FLRSCHEIM.

IMPROVEMENTdN APPARATUS FOR LlGHTlNG, EXTINGUISHING. AND REGULATINGGAS-FLAMES.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 153,887, dated January19, 1875; application tiled December 28, 1874.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that l, LEOPOLD BAUMEISTER, of Gaggenau, in the Grand Duchyof Baden and the Empire of Germany, have invented certain new and usefulImprovements in the Construction of Apparatus for Lighting,Extinguishing, and Regulating Gas-Flames, of which the following is aspecification:

My invention has for its object to enable gas-burners to be lighted,extinguished, and

i regulated automatically, and to this effect to maintain a minute flamein an auxiliaryburner, by Which the main burner is ignited; to admit thegas to the main burner and shut it oli therefrom by alternatelyincreasing and reducing the gas-pressure; to regulate the ignition andextinction of the iialne at different stages,which may themselves, to acertain degree, be independent of each other; to make the ignition andextinction momentaneous as soon as certain stages of the pressure arereached, and to maintain the iiame at a uniform size irrespectively ofthe pressure of gas; and it consists'in the employment of a sliding tubeor slide-valve, with orifices correspond ing to the main and auxiliaryburners respectively, through which, when such sliding tube orslide-valve is actuated by the gas-pressure, the gas is admitted to themain burner and shut off from the auxiliary one, and vice versa; ofbalance-Weights, with shifting centers of. gravity, to adjust thepressure at Which the ignition or extinction is to Atake place; of aperforated plug, working y within an orice and fixed upon a diaphragmhermetically, but loosely fitted, andplaced within the passage of thegas 3 of a double hood,with alternating holes.

My invention consists, irst,in a main burner having an auxiliary burner,at which a minute ame is maintained, by means of which the A gas at themain burner is ignited, the two being connected with the main pipe'bymeans lof a regulating device that will supply the gas to the mainburner at the lnaximum pressure,

andcut it olf from the'auxiliary burner at the minimum pressure, andvice versa, so as to keep the gas burning at one or the other burner atall times, as and for the purposes to be fully hereinafter set forth;second, in a new and improved regulating device for alternatelysupplying the gas to the main burner and auxiliary burner as thepressure of the gas varies in the pipes, as will be hereinafter fullyspecified; third, in the improved regulating-gear consisting of a seriesof levers with shifting weights, connected with the regulating device,by which the decrease and increase of pressure may be regulated,substantially as hereinafter set forth; fourth, in a double hood orchamber provided with alternating holes surrounding the auxiliaryburner, for the purpose of supplying the same with air and shielding itfrom drafts, substantially as described; fifth, in a diaphragm furnishedwith a plug, and attached to an inverted bell,

in combination with a sliding valve, to regulate the flow of gas to themain and auxiliary burners, substantially as herein described.

'In the accompanying drawings, Figures 1, 2, and 3 are vertical sectionsof my improved self-lighting gas apparatus for street-lamps, showing thethree different positions of the sliding tube. Fig. 4 is a plan viewofthe same. Fig. 5 is a side viewr of part of the apparatus. Fig. 6 is afront elevation of the apparatus.

In Figs. l, 2, 3, and 6, A is a conical tube, through which the gasenters, and by means of which the apparatus is fitted to the pipe of thestreet-lamps for the lighting and extinction whereof it is to be used. Bis an iron casin g, havin g at its bottom an annular recess,

C. This easing, instead of being made of solid iron, may consist of twosheets of iron plate placed insidevone another, so that the interior oneforms the inside of the recess. This annular recess or groove C isfilled with mercury to about three-quarters of its depth. An iron iioator small gas-holder, D, is dipped in the mercury in such a manner as toshut the gas off hermetically. On the casing B a cover, E, is mounted,upon which the cylindrical guide-piece F is screwed. To the top of thefloat D a tube, G, made of hard metal, is attached. The top end of thistube consists of a solid head-piece, H, and the tube G itself is so ttedinto the guide-piece F as to slide up and down with facility, andwithout allowing any gas to pass between the sides. Within the side ofthe tube G holes are pierced at three different places, N, L, and K, andin connection with the lowest of these holes circular recesses K1 areprovided. Within the guide-piece F a longitudinal canal, I, is madeparallel to the central one, in which the tube G slides, and these twocanals communicate with one another by means of the transversal openingsK and L, which are closed up from without by means of theregulating-screws K2. the head-piece H the central canal is enlarged, soas to allow the head-piece to pass up and down. To the top of thecentral canal the burner-pipe M is fitted, while the lateral canal, I,is provided with a small bent pipe, M', the opening of which isdiminutive. Thus M is the main, and M' the auxiliary burner-pipe. Bothare inclosed in two hoods, Ol O2, superposed to one another, andfurnished with small alternating air-holes, in such a manner as tosecure a constant supply of air, While excludiu g every draft from theinterior of the hood. At the top of this double hood or casing a doubleopening is made for the burner proper, and for the igniting-tlameproceeding from the auxiliary burner to pass through. To the top of theoat D, and diametrically opposite to one another, two supports, P, areitted, Fig. 6, which pass through the top of the casing E, and areattached to the hoop Q, which passes around the guide-piece F, and isconnected with the lever-arms Q1 Q2. To the cover E of the casing B asupport, B, is attached, having a semicircular top, through which theconical ends of the setscrews R' B' enter, so that the horizontal axisof this support and of the screws forms the fulcrum of the lever-arm Q1.This lever-arm has a fork at its end, in which the cranked lever U movesfreely upon a spindle, U', and a balance-weight, i

V, is attached to the top of the cranked lever U. The lower end of thelever U is forkshaped. Upon the cover E a horizontal arm, T, is mounted,which has a groove at its end for a movable arm or limb, Tl, to slide toand fro, the position of which is adjusted by a setscrew, T2, travelingin the groove. To the extremity of the limb T1 a long pin, T3, is fixed,which moves freely in the forked end of the lever U. To the lowersurface of the iloat D,

' Figs. 1,2, and 3, an annular plate, D', is attached, between which andthe end of Vthe tube G a packing-ring, G', is fitted. Around' theannular plate a diaphragm, B1, made of an animal membrane, of leather,of thin metal, or any other flexible material, is hermetically attached.This diaphragm carries a circular metal plate, B2, upon which theconicalplug y is fixed. This plug moves freely within the lower open end of thetube G, or withinthe ring G', into either of which it may be fitted. Itis perforated by a series of holes, the size of which corresponds to thesize of the thin metal plate B2, upon which the pressure of the gas actsdirectly, while both these holes and the weight of the thin platetogether are in their turn proportionate to the quantity of gas to beconsumed. Through the pressure exerted beneath, and the counterpressureacting Above` above the thin plate B1, the conical plug y is kept in itsproper position, so that, according as the pressure increases ordecreases, the open end of the tube G is closed up more or less, and bythis means both the iiame and the consumption of gas are preserved at auniform rate, irrespective of the pressure at which the gas enters theapparatus.

The part of the apparatus just described acts as a regulator of the ameand simultaneously as a receptacle of gas, inasmuch as the quantity ofgas consumed at a uniform rate per hour must naturally be known if oncethe number of hours be fixed during which the lamps are to remainlighted.

In Fig. 1 I have shown my apparatus with its various organs placed inthe position they will occupy in the day-time when the main ilame is notlighted. At this stage the gas enters through the joint A, beneath thefloaty D, into the casing B, and thence proceeds to the pipe G. All theopenings being shut ott' by the solid parts of the sides of theguidepiece F, save the canals K in the tube, which communicate with thetransversal opening in the guide-piece, it is obvious that the gas canonly pass through these apertures, and into the longitudinal canal I,and the auxiliary pipe M'. This gas being ignited on the ,auxiliaryburner M', a small dame is kept u p,

which is adjusted by the screw K2 in such a manner that it may bebrought to a diminutive size, and made almost invisible. auxiliary flamekeeps itself up as long as the main flame is not lighted. The doublehood O1 O2 protects the auxiliary flame from every blast of Wind, as hasbeen explained in the foregoing.

In Fig. 2 the second stage is illustrated, at which the main flame isignited. Upon the pressure of the gas at the works, and thence withinthe pipes, being raised toward nightfall, or at such other time as maybe thought proper for the purpose of lighting the streetlamps, the floatD is raised some distance, but not high enough to cause its bottom edgeto .emerge from the mercury, by which the gas is shut off hermetically.As the float D is lifted, the tube G rises. The oritce K then remains incommunication with the opening Kl in the side of the guide-piece, andthe orifice L is brought opposite the canal I, while the top of theoritices N is placed in communication with the opening beneath theburner-pipe M, by which means some gas is allowed to enter the mainburner. At this stage all the three sets of orifices are incommunication with their burners. The quantity of gas passing into theauxiliary burner M', through the orifices K K1, is increased by thatwhich enters through the openings L. The auxiliary flame being thenceincreased in size, shoots up through the openings of the two hoods OlO2, and, upon touching the main burner M, ignites the gas which proceedsthrough the same. While this is going on, the oat D, and along with itthe tube G, continue their upward motion, and

This.

during their progress the moment arrives when the openings K1 and L arecompletely cut ofi from their corresponding orifices in the tube Gwhilethe top orifices N are set entirely free for the gas to pass throughthem. At this stage, which is illustrated in Fig. 3, the main fiame hasrisen to full size, and the auxiliary one has been extinguished. As soonas the pressure is reduced again, thefioat D, andk consequently the tubeGr, descends again. The orifices K K1 L L are again brought opposite toone another, as shown in Fig. 2, and a double current of gas pressesagain through the burner-pipe N, and lights itself at the main flame. Asthe fioat D and the tube Gr resume their lowest` position, as shown inFig. 1, the orifices N and L are shut off again, and 11o more gaspassing then into the pipe M, the main flame is extinguished, and theauxiliary one being fed only through the set of orifices K K1, isreduced to its minimum size.

Instead of arranging the tube G in the manner shown in Figs. 1,2, and 3,a stationary tube may be fixed to the cover E of the casing B, and amovable tube, connected with the fioat D, be so fitted around thestationary one as to slide up and down, according'as the gas pressureincreases or decreases. 1n this case,

the orifices may, with slight changes, be made to work in a mannersimilar to the one hereinbefore described, and the compensating gear maybe fitted to the sliding tube directly. Moreover, to consolidate the.supports P P, (shown in Fig. 6,) they may be joined together by means ofcross-stays connected with the sliding tube, whereby all undue shakingor vibration is obviated, and greater efficiency imparted to theapparatus.

For the various degrees of pressure required for lighting andextinguishing street-lamps, the working of the apparatus is regulated bythe variations effected in the position of the shifting weightsS and V,and of the limb T1, which is xed by means of the set-screw T2. Theprincipal object of these organs is to enable the main flame beinglighted instantaneously, as soon as a certaindegree of pressure isreached, and extinguished with the same rapidity, as soon as a certainreduction in the pressure has taken place.

These varying pressures maybe fixed, accordin g to local requirements,within the range ofthe variation admissible in each individual instance.

The object of the shifting-weight S is to load the fioat D according tothe degree of pressure desired for the ignition of the main fiame. Theadjustment of the position of the cranked lever U by means of theset-screw T2 is accessory "to the loading of the float D, and l to thefixing of the degree of pressure; but the principal object is todetermine and fix the difference between the varying degrees of pressurerequired for ignition and extinction. Assuming', for instance, theapparatus as shown in Fig. l to be so regulated as to require agas-pressure of one and six-tenths inch to ing important results: rst,without the use n of the lever U the fioat D would have its npwardmotion arrested at a certain point before the main flame is fullyignited, and the auxiliary flame completely extinguished, because,assoon as the'gas begins to issue from the ,main burner, the pressurebelow the fioatD diminishes, and a further increase of pressure isrequired to effect a complete ignition. This drawback is met by thechanging positions ot' the lever U, by means of which the lighting ofthe main fiame, once begun, is completed forthwith. This effect isproduced by the change in the position of the arm U', which becomes moreerect as the float D begins to rise, and by which the decrease of thepressure beneath the fioat is compensated, and a decrease in the counter-pressure brought about. The mode and manner'in which this is achievedis clearly shown in the accompanying illustrations. In Fig. l the arm Uproduces the fullest counter-pressure; in Fig. 2 this arm is placed in avertical position, and is, consequently, at its dead-point. It thenproduces no further counter-pressure, and the reducedpressurebelow thefioat D is sufficient to raise it to its full height, and so to completethe ignition. At this stage the arm U changes its vertical position forone slanting to the right, as shown `in Fig. 3, and by the pressure ofits Weight V depresses the lever-arm Q1, and raises the arm Q2 until themain -fiame is fully ignited. f

Secondly, by means Aof the screw T2, the cranked leverUmay be fixed atany angle, in accordance with the requirements of the case, so as tooccupy a horizontal position at the dead-point of the weight V, as shownin Fig. 2, or to fall below or rise above this position, as illustratedin Figsl and 3. According to the angle at which this lever is xed, thedifference between the gas-pressure for ignitin g, and the one forextinguishing, the main flame adjusts itself. For instance, the more thearm U inclines to the right, the more counterpressure the weight Vexercises as against S, and the more it assists in keeping up theposition of the tube G, so that the pressure below the fioatD must bereduced more and more before the weight S and the fioat D can overcomethe force of the counter-weight V, and the float and the tube can bemade to redescend and extinguish the main fiame. In that event, forinstance, this flame would re.- quire a pressure of one and six-tenthsyinch for ignition, and eight-tenths for extinction.

i isses? This is a very good advantage, as it frequently happens thatthe gas-pressure working in certain lamps descends during the nightbelow the day-pressure; therefore, if the apparatus were to extinguishthe light at the same pressure at which it ignites it, the lights wouldoften go out just at the time when they are most needed, or else, if theigniting-pressure were fixed sufciently low to overcome thisinconvenience, the lamps might be lighted in the day-time, when theday-pressure exceeds the lowest night-pressure. This drawback isentirely obviated by my apparatus, enabling me to draw a line betweenthe pressure required for extinguishing, and that required for igniting,the lamps. Thus, for instance, assuming I tix the pressure for ignitionat one and six-tenths, and for extinction at' six-tenths inch, andadjust' my regulating-gear accordingly, in that event my iams ignite inthe evening when a pressure of one and sixtenths is given at thegas-works, provided the pipes be wide enough to transmit the fullpressure; for, it' this be not the case, a somewhat higher pressurewould have to be given for a minute or two. Once lighted, my lamps willkeep burning steadily during the whole night, even though the pressurewere to fall as low as sixty-tive hundredths inch, and they will only goout when the pressure is reduced to six-tenths inch in the morning. Onceput out, they would not light again, even though a pressure of one andinve-tenths inch were to be brought to bear on them during the daytime.They only ignite when the full night pressure of one and six-tenths inchis reached.

By means ot' the same contrivance it is easy to make arrangements forcertain lamps to go out at a certain time of night-say, at twelveoclock-and the others to burn till the morning. This is done byregulating the former at a higher extinguishing-pressure than thelatter. The pressure at the gas-works must then be reduced at acorresponding rate at midnight, and brought down to its minimum in themorning.

Such variations of pressure as may show themselves in different lampsduring the same space of time, being produced by differences in thelevel, or by the narrowness of the pipes, do not ai'ect the working ofmy system in any way, as each apparatus is regulated-not according tothe pressure at the works, butaccording to the pressure to be reached inthe lamp to which such apparatus is` iitted. For inst-ance, it' at apressure of one and six-tenths at the works the lamp A receives apressure of one and four-tenths and the lamp B a pressure of one andtwo-tenths inch, and it' at a pressure ot six-tenths at the works A gets{ivetenths and B four-tenths, then A must be regulated at one andfour-'tenths and five-tenths and B at one and two-tenths and four-tenthsinch pressure for igniting and extinguishing, respectively.

ln the act of extinguishing the lamps the working of the regulating-gear is the reverse of what it is in lighting. As the iloat D descendsthe decrease in the efiux of gas increases the pressure beneath it, andwithout the working ot' the lever Ua further decrease of the pressurewould have to take place in the pipe before the iioat 1) could descendcompletely, so as to put the main flame out altogether. It is preciselyVbythe action of the lever U that this inconvenience is ohviated. As thearm U approaches its dead-point it exercises less and lesscounter-pressure against the weight S. Therefore this weight pressesupon the iioat with increased force, and hastens its descent, and assoon as the dead-point is passed the downward motion of the iioat iscompleted, the Weight V assisting in producing this eti'ect.

It is obvious that the same end might be achieved by any other method ofregulation, either by means of levers, eccentric wheels, or any similarappliances, so long 'as the shifting of the center ot' gravity, and bythis means a corresponding variation in the degree of pressure beeected.

In employing membranes or diaphragms I would not attach them in theusual fashion oi' a conical cloak, but as a cloak ot' a cylinder, havinga solid base and top, upon which the full power ofthe gas-current canplay, so that no power is lost in the conical attachment.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire tosecure by Letters Patent, is-- y y p p n 1. The combination of a float,D, carrying a vertically-sliding tube, G, provided lwith openings, acanal, I, parallel to the tube G, and communicating with the same byopel]- ings, a main burner arranged above the sliding tube, and anauxiliary burner arranged above the canal I, substantially as described,for the object speciiied.

.2. The regulating device for supplying the gas alternately to the mainand auxiliary burner, consisting of bell D, sitting in annular chamberO, and provided with diaphragm B1, in combination with the sliding valveG, moving in guide-piece F, and provided with apertures, as described,for opening communication to the burners, substantially as herein setforth.

3. The combination, with the bell D, of levers Q and U, connectedtogether and with' the bell, and provided with shifting or adjustableweights, for regulating the pressure of gas, substantially as described.

4. The combination, with the auxiliary burner, of thev double hood orchamber Ol O`l surrounding the said burner, for supplying the same withair and preventing drafts, substantially as described.

LEOPOLD BAUMEISTER.

Witnesses:

Dr. CORNELIUS HEssEL,

38 Palmerston Road,

Kilburn, London. G. F. WARREN,

Not. Pub., London.

